Small-Town Bachelor

by Jill Kemerer

  Six weeks?

  “No other injuries?” Reed asked. “Only the broken—what did you call it?”

  “Tib-fib. You broke your leg. We’ll keep you here overnight. In the meantime, I want you to give some thought to how you’re going to manage at home. Do you have anyone who can help you get around?”

  “I’ll be fine.” He’d figure it out. People got around in casts all the time. It wouldn’t be that big a deal.

  But what about Alaska? In all the chaos, he’d forgotten his monthlong trip to the last American frontier. The timing had been perfect. Do his duty as best man in Jake’s wedding, squeal the tires out of Lake Endwell Sunday morning and drive across the upper states until he reached Bellingham, Washington. From there, he’d hop on a ferry for whale watching and spend the rest of the month exploring Alaska. Give him time to breathe before tackling his duties as the new vice president of Rockbend Construction. Eight years of intense work and he’d finally been offered the VP title he coveted. Everything had fallen into place.

  Until this.

  He swallowed the copper taste of disappointment. Why had God allowed this to happen? Jake’s wedding ruined. A broken leg the day before Reed’s Alaskan adventure.

  What now? He couldn’t return to Chicago. An image of the busy sidewalks he navigated seared into his mind—it was hard enough getting around the city on two legs, let alone on one. And he didn’t have anyone in Chicago who could help.

  He’d just have to change his daily routine and walk less, drive more.

  The doctor pulled out a stool and wheeled next to the bed. “The tibia supports the body’s weight. Avoid putting any pressure on the leg for several weeks. We’ll start you in a wheelchair, check the X-rays and if it’s healing, we’ll okay crutches. You’ll still have to stay off this leg, though. Don’t plan on driving until the cast is off.”

  Wheelchair?

  No driving?

  As if that was going to happen. He wouldn’t bother telling the doc he had no intention of following his instructions. A wheelchair would never work in his high-rise apartment.

  A sound startled him. Barbara hovered in the doorway, raised her eyebrows and fingered her pearls. “Doctor, would it be okay for Reed to have some lunch? He hasn’t eaten since yesterday.”

  “Of course.” The doctor rose. “If you have any questions, I’ll be in later to check on you. And tell the nurse if you’re experiencing any pain.”

  He was experiencing pain all right—the giant pain in the rear this injury had forced on him.

  “I’ll tell the nurse you’re ready for some food.” Barbara hesitated. “Or would you like us to bring something? Roger and I will gladly go to the cafeteria.”

  Yeah, Dad would gladly go to the cafeteria to avoid spending time with him. And Barbara would flutter around and make the atmosphere even more charged. If he could go back to sleep and not wake up until his leg was functioning...

  “That’s okay.” Reed gave her a tight smile. “I’ll eat whatever the nurse brings.”

  “Are you sure? I can find something specific, maybe lasagna? You still like Italian food, right? Or a sub sandwich? Ham, turkey, roast beef. Chips. A pop—”

  Lord, help me out. A little patience? “I’m not very hungry. Anything is fine.”

  “You look like you’re not feeling well. Is your leg hurting? I’ll send your dad back in while I find a nurse.” She scurried out, leaving him alone, to his relief.

  A minute later, Dad appeared, as uneasy as earlier. “Did the...uh...doctor fill you in on—” he waved his hand at Reed’s leg “—everything?”

  Reed nodded.

  “He told us you would need some help. Uh...I would offer you a room, but...”

  Disappointment flooded him, but Reed didn’t show it, wouldn’t let Dad see how much his dismissal still hurt. Would they ever get past the strain in their relationship? “I got it covered.”

  He brightened. “We weren’t sure what to do. The split-level would be hard to navigate in your...um...condition. The wheelchair, you know.”

  The split-level would be hard to navigate, but Reed didn’t doubt the real reason his dad didn’t want him around. They hadn’t been relaxed in each other’s presence in over twenty years. The death of Reed’s mother still tore them apart.

  “Like I said.” Reed attempted to sit up. “Don’t worry about it.”

  Dad stood there, swaying slightly, as if he wanted to say something. Finally, he turned to go. “I’d better go see what’s keeping Barbara.”

  Yes. He’d better go to Barbara. He’d been pulling that move for as long as Reed could remember.

  Alone once more, Reed closed his eyes. Maybe he could book a flight back home tomorrow. But what about his truck? He’d driven into Lake Endwell with all his gear for the trip.

  “Knock, knock.” Claire smiled from the doorway, interrupting his thoughts.

  Reed grinned, waving her inside. She eased into the chair next to his bed. His smile faded at her swollen face, her bandaged hand and the scratches on her bare arms. “Does your eye hurt?”

  “Not really.” She lifted her hand wrapped in gauze. “A few scrapes. Nothing a little time won’t mend. The bigger question is how are you doing?”

  He longed to touch her cheek, to thank her for taking care of him all those hours while they waited for rescue, but caution prevented the words from spilling. This intrigue couldn’t be explored. Not with her, the one with the enormous family. The one who lived here. No matter how careful he was or how hard he tried to understand family dynamics, he failed. Every time.

  Best to keep things light. Reed pointed to his cast. “Like my new look? Admit it—you’re jealous.”

  Her laugh tinkled, did something weird to his pulse. “Insanely jealous. Want me to sign it for you?” Claire scooted forward a few inches.

  “Of course. I saved you a big spot. There. By my knee.” He pointed to his leg. “Need a Sharpie?”

  “Only if it’s purple. I’m surprised you didn’t go with a colored cast. Fluorescent pink would have made you the envy of all the girls.”

  His lips twitched. “If I had known I could choose a color, I would have.”

  “Maybe next time.”

  “There won’t be a next time.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” she said. “You’ll probably get a new cast in two or three weeks.”

  “What do you mean?” He shifted, flinching as his foot bumped the bed rail.

  “Your leg will shrink, and this cast won’t fit. Plus, the doctors check your progress often. Don’t get too attached to your current one.”

  “And here I was going to name it. Way to ruin it for me. How do you know so much about this anyway?”

  “I have three brothers. In and out of the hospital all the time growing up. I’m also a vet tech.”

  Her brothers had been at the rehearsal dinner. They seemed like fun guys. “What’s a vet tech? Something with cats, dogs and computers?”

  “Something like that, minus the computers. I’m a veterinary technician at a local clinic now.”

  “Is it temporary or something?”

  Pink tinted her cheeks. “No, it’s permanent, but ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to work for the zoo. I’ve volunteered there for years. A position is opening up later this summer.”

  “Why don’t you work there already?”

  She averted her eyes. “I had a chance once. But I turned it down. I won’t again.” She picked at the edge of the gauze on her hand. “Jobs are hard to come by at our zoo. They don’t have a large budget, and when they hire someone, the person tends to stay.”

  He shrugged. “Work for a different zoo, then.”

  Her blank stare bored into him for a solid three seconds. Why was she looking at him as if he’d turned green? />
  “What?” he asked. “What did I say?”

  “There aren’t any other zoos around here.”

  “So? Move.”

  “Nope.” She brushed her hands together in a dismissive motion. “Did that once. Lost my dream job and my heart in one fell swoop. I’m staying here, in Lake Endwell, where I belong. But hey, I didn’t come in here to bore you with my life story.”

  Boring? Claire? Not possible. There had to be more behind her tale. One he wanted to hear someday.

  “What’s next?” she asked. “I mean, what happens now with your leg and all?”

  What was next? Dinner, a movie, a good-night kiss? What was it about her that mellowed him? Brought out his playful side?

  Her mention of losing her heart must have jarred his brain. Talk about bad timing for getting the urge to flirt. Maybe the painkillers were messing with his head.

  “I was supposed to be off to Alaska. Looks like I’m heading back to Chicago instead.”

  “Alaska?” Her voice rose on the last syllable. “Why?”

  He sighed. It rankled—having to cancel the trip. “I always wanted to explore the wilderness. Get back to nature for a month. Ride the ferries. See whales. Fish.”

  “I’m sorry, Reed.” She did look sorry. “Sounds like something you’ve been planning for a long time.”

  “Yeah. Well, what do you do?”

  Neither spoke as muffled conversations of doctors and nurses in the hallway and beeping sounds filtered through the room. Then she perked up.

  “You can stay here. We have wilderness—well, a lake anyway. And Granddad’s cottage is handicap accessible. You can fish off the end of the dock.”

  He didn’t mean to grimace, but staying in Lake Endwell? In close proximity to Dad and Barbara? “I’ll take my chances in Chicago.”

  She scolded him with her stare. How did women do that? “You’re going to be in a lot of pain. Do you have anyone who can take care of you?”

  “I don’t need anyone taking care of me.”

  “Men,” she muttered. “Listen, there’s no way the doctor is going to let you get on a plane for at least a week. You can ride it out in this noisy hospital room or relax in a beautiful cabin on the lake. Seems like an easy choice to me.”

  She had a point. He waved to his leg. “I can’t sit around here forever.”

  “No one said anything about forever. Just until you get back on your feet. Literally.”

  He chuckled. Beautiful and funny? Killer combination.

  Maybe staying in a cottage on the lake wasn’t such a bad consolation prize. And why worry about being around Dad and Barbara? They would avoid him as usual.

  Wouldn’t they?

  There was a chance—a slight chance—for him and Dad to work through their problems. If not, it didn’t matter. Reed could spend more time with Jake. He missed him.

  “Guess it wouldn’t hurt.” He shrugged. “It’s not like they’re expecting me at work.”

  “See?” She beamed. “There you go. What do you do anyway?”

  “Commercial construction. Until yesterday, I was the senior project manager, but they’re promoting me to vice president. I’ll take over mid-July when the current VP retires.”

  “Wow!” Her whole face lit up. “Vice president. Congratulations. And you work in construction? Lake Endwell could sure use some help with that. I guess the town was hit pretty hard.”

  Main Street of Lake Endwell stuck in his head. The historic brick storefronts, bright red and navy awnings, flowers planted everywhere. Had the twister demolished the village? Would be a shame. He’d always had a soft spot for picturesque American towns. But helping them rebuild might give him something to do other than sitting around staring at his cast. “Did your house get damaged?”

  “I don’t think so. Trees are still blocking my road, but the reports sound good so far.” Her chipper tone didn’t mask the anxiety in her eyes. Tendrils from her ponytail wrapped around her neck. “If you stay for a while, we’ll be neighbors, so I’ll make sure you’re fed. Wait—let me rephrase that—I’ll bring over Aunt Sally’s delicious food. You don’t want me to cook.”

  He laughed but frowned inside. Was she this generous with everyone? This trusting? They’d only met a few hours ago, and she was already treating him like...one of the family.

  “You don’t even know me,” Reed said.

  “What are you talking about?” Her nose scrunched as she waved her hand. “You’re Jake’s brother. You’re family.”

  His hunch was right. The fact that she’d tossed him into that category sobered him more than a bucket of ice water to the face.

  “You’re probably tired. I’ll let you get some sleep.” She covered his hand with hers. “Thanks again, for being there during the tornado, for protecting me.”

  He slid his hand out from under hers. “I didn’t do much.”

  “Didn’t do much?” she said. “I could have—”

  “It was nothing.” Too abrupt, his tone, but he couldn’t help it.

  “Whatever you say, Reed.” And she padded out of the room.

  Yes, if he was staying in Lake Endwell, he needed a powerful distraction from his pretty neighbor.

  His experience with disaster relief provided the perfect excuse. There would be too much work for the local builders to complete by themselves. He’d make calls to find the best construction crews in the surrounding counties and help get the rebuilding efforts started. But as soon as the doctor cleared him, Reed was hightailing it back to Chicago.

  Chapter Two

  Exhaustion turned her legs to sandbags. As soon as she left Reed’s room, Claire returned to the hospital’s main waiting area and craned her neck to spot her dad. Assured Reed would be okay, she wanted nothing more than to go home and make sure the otters were safe. She’d go on foot if necessary.

  “Oh, honey, you’re fortunate you survived.” Aunt Sally’s bleach-blond hair bounced and her disco-ball earrings bobbed like fishing lures on the lake. “I don’t know how either of you made it out without more severe injuries. Joe called. He said the restaurant is a wreck. The dining hall’s intact, but the back rooms are destroyed. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She embraced Claire again. “You’re going to fall over if you don’t park it.”

  “Where’s Dad?” Claire hugged her arms into her abdomen. “I’ve got to get home.”

  “I’ll find him. You sit.”

  Claire collapsed in the chair. Her other family members clutched foam coffee cups and chatted in clusters, filling the space. To see Tommy, Bryan, Sam, Libby and everyone else alive and healthy after the awful night—it humbled her. Thank You, Lord, for protecting everyone I love.

  “Your face looks terrible.” Libby took the chair next to Claire. Her long blond hair hadn’t been brushed, and her eyes were red rimmed from crying. “Aren’t you supposed to have this ice pack on it?”

  “It’s nothing. I’m more worried about you. How are you holding up?” Claire accepted the ice pack from Libby and pressed it to her cheek, flinching when the cold stung her bruise. “I’m sorry about the wedding. We’ll get it all planned and perfect again.”

  “I’m just glad you’re alive.”

  “Me too.”

  “When I think about the restaurant and everything ruined... We should be at the church right now.” A stream of tears gushed down Libby’s cheeks, and Claire pulled her close, rubbing her back. Jake came over and took Libby in his arms. Claire shot him a grateful smile, struck at the similarities between him and Reed. Both hovered around six feet tall and shared a muscular build. Libby took a tissue from Aunt Sally while Jake checked his watch.

  “Man, I feel so bad for Reed.” Jake sighed. “He gets into town and this happens. And he was supposed to leave for Alaska right after the wedding. Claire, t
hanks again for taking care of him.”

  “Don’t feel bad. It wasn’t your fault. And it was the least I could do after Reed saved my life. If he hadn’t protected me, I would have been the one crushed under the tree. Or worse.” She shuddered. “I think I have him talked into staying in Granddad’s cottage until he’s recovered a bit.”

  “Good idea! And thank the good Lord he showed up when he did.” Aunt Sally clapped her hands to get the room’s attention. “It’s been a long night and an even longer morning. Why don’t you all take a break at my house for a few hours? A lot of cake will go to waste if we don’t start eating it.”

  “The wedding cake?” Libby paled. “I can’t eat that! It’s supposed to be—”

  “It’s food.” Aunt Sally wrapped her arm around Libby. “We’ll make another when you get a new wedding date.”

  Libby swallowed and nodded, walking with Sally to the door as the groups dispersed.

  Tommy, Bryan and Sam approached Claire. “Come on, you can ride with us.”

  “Still no word on the otters?” She nibbled the corner of her lower lip. “Have you called Dad lately? Is the road clear?”

  Tommy swiped his hand over his eyebrow. “The otters are fine—”

  “How do you know?” Her voice rose. Maybe Tommy checked on them. “Did you get through?”

  “No, but—”

  “Don’t patronize me, Tommy. I’m responsible for them until they move to the zoo. And I’m having a hard enough time thinking about them leaving next month. If they were hurt or worse—”

  “Stop. I got it.” Tommy extended his palms out in defense and widened his eyes at Bryan, who held a cell phone against his ear. “Well?”

  Bryan slid the phone back into his pocket. “Didn’t answer.” He glanced at the elevator. “Oh, that’s why.”

  Dad strode to them and patted Claire’s shoulder. “The crews have most of your road clear, Claire-bear. Come on, I’ll take you home.”

  Claire-bear. Dad must have been worried sick last night. He hadn’t used his pet name for her in years.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Ten minutes later, Dad drove the back roads to the lake. It was turning out to be a beautiful, sunny day, but branches and trees littered the ground. Half a mile from town, a partially destroyed building with a caved-in roof spilled insulation out the missing side wall.